FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A local youth baseball team is on the cusp of greatness, and they’re receiving some championship-level support. Bullard’s Cal Ripken 11U All-Stars are the only team from California that earned a title shot in their division.

“I played in a big tournament in high school called the Upper Deck Classic. But this is way bigger, I think,” Assistant Coach Tony Gonsalves said.

The group of 13 boys have played together for more than three years. Their hard work and dedication are paying off.

“This is something we’re really, really excited about. So honestly, we just trying to keep these kids focused, you know, makes it a discipline going into Alabama and making sure we just got our heads focused,” Assistant Coach and Super Bowl Champion Anthony McCoy said.

The Cal Ripken World Series begins in August, and the kids are over the moon.

“It’s been really fun and it’s it feels comfortable being with all your friends,” Third Baseman AJ McCoy said.

“Well, I was like, well, oh, really,” Outfielder Bryce Goncalves said.

Practice for the special tournament is ramping up, and the kids are getting extra motivation.

“It’s a true honor. You know, I’ve been playing in a lot of big games, you know, a lot of big tournaments, but nothing like this. You know, this is my first time experiencing this along with these kids,” McCoy said.

Anthony McCoy is a Bullard graduate who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014. He’s now an assistant coach for his hometown ball players.

“Just move on to the next play. You know, just in baseball, all sports and even in life, you know, there’s going to be some adversity we’re all going to face. These kids have faced plenty of it through this process and just move on to the next plate,” McCoy said.

A more than 2,000-mile journey awaits these kids, but this team needs help reaching their destination.

“Any dollar amount, you know, counts. You know, these kids really have worked hard and they really deserve to be here. And, and if you want to contribute, please do so today,” McCoy said.

And these kids want to continue playing ball.

“The adrenaline rush and just the feeling of hitting the ball far,” Gonsalves said.

“The one thing I love most about baseball is playing with my friends,” McCoy said.

If you want to help these all-stars go to the World Series, click on their GoFundMe here.